asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that plans are proceeding for the holding in this county of the world tug-o'-war championships, including a team from South Africa, despite the clearly expressed view of the Government on apartheid; and if he will make direct representations to the organisers of the event.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - World Tug-o'-War Championships.
23.
I am aware that the world tug-of-war championships are scheduled to be held in Ireland next September and that a team from South Africa, which is affiliated to the international body, is to participate.
In reply to questions in the Dáil on 14 February last the Minister for State outlined on my behalf the steps that had been taken to convey the views of the Government on apartheid and sport to the Irish Tug-of-War Association, and the decision of the Minister for Education to refuse a grant to meet part of the cost of the event because it appeared likely that the South African team would not be selected on a genuinely multiracial basis.
As the Government's views have been made known to the Irish Tug-of-War Association in the course of a number of contacts with the Department of Education, I do not feel that further steps in this regard are necessary.
Has there been any comeback?
Not that I am aware of.
Will it be possible in the circumstances for the Minister to decline to admit the South African team? Is it not true that we can decline to admit the citizens whom we do not want to come here?
I do not think we could contemplate that in the circumstances. I think the Deputy has acknowledged that this Government's position and that of the previous Government have been consistent in regard to the Deputy's queries. If we did so we would be taking a step whose consequences would not be in the interest of abolishing apartheid, in sport or elsewhere.
The Minister should be aware that nearly all the sporting organisations in this country, with varying degrees of enthusiasm and reluctance, have made considerable sacrifices in order to emphasise the Irish position internationally. Does it not therefore seem unfair that this small group should be allowed to carry on with this support without some further attempt by the Minister——
These sports organisations are voluntary and the Government do not have any direct control over them except to the extent that the Minister for Education has withheld a grant for this purpose. I assure the Deputy that we have notified all sports organisations of the Government's attitude in regard to participation in events which are organised and in certain places. Like the Deputy, I welcome the fact that almost universally our sports organisations have taken account of this.
Is the Minister aware that a local tourism organisation in receipt of public funds have decided to allocate these funds to the event in question?
That is a separate question.
It does not arise, but I understand that some moneys have been allocated in advance, before any knowledge of this situation came to our notice. Our position has been made clear and I hope all such associations will take account of it.